Digital downloading jukebox system with central and local music servers

ABSTRACT

A digital downloading jukebox system including a central server and a plurality of remote jukebox devices each provided with a local server that preferably mirrors the central server and enables selected songs to be immediately downloaded to the jukebox for reproduction. The local server and jukebox may also provide, through control of the central server, song download services to other jukebox devices. The jukebox system may also act as a monitoring/management device for other coin operated equipment present in a location where the jukebox is located, thereby enabling the jukebox device to perform updates on other equipment under control of the central server.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 11/185,974filed Jul. 21, 2005, which is a Continuation-in-Part of application Ser.No. 10/661,811 filed Sep. 15, 2003, which claims priority on ProvisionalApplication No. 60/410,832 filed Sep. 16, 2002, the entire contents ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The instant invention relates to, for example, jukebox systems and, moreparticularly, to digital downloading jukebox systems of the type whichtypically include a central server and remote jukebox devices thatcommunicate with the central server for royalty accounting and/orcontent updates. Exemplary embodiments of the instant invention improvesuch systems by providing a local server for each jukebox device in thejukebox system network. The local server provides a second and moreexpansive source of content (i.e., audio and/or visual data) that can beselected by a user of the jukebox device for reproduction on the jukeboxdevice. The local servers preferably provide a mirror of the centralserver, thereby enabling the entire library of audio and/or visual datato be conveniently available to each jukebox device without the need todownload requested content, that is not available on the mass storagedevice of the jukebox device itself, from the central server. Thecollective group of local servers may also act as a network ofdistributed content servers that can be controlled by the central serverthrough each jukebox device to provide services to other devices, suchas, for example, non-portable jukebox devices. In addition, the jukeboxdevice and local server can, under control of the central server,operate as a “central hub” or management device for various downloadablefee-based devices present in a location with the jukebox device.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Jukeboxes have been around for decades and provide users with theability to select desired music for reproduction in a convenient andadvantageous manner. Jukeboxes have conventionally been provided incommercial establishments, such as restaurants and bars, in order toprovide desired music on demand for patrons thereof for a fee. Over thelast several years, a new generation of jukebox devices have becomeavailable that provide significant improvements in the operation thereoffor all parties involved. More specifically, the conventional standalonephonorecord and CD jukeboxes are being replaced by digital downloadingjukeboxes that are controlled by and communicate with a central server.An example of this new generation jukebox system is shown in U.S. Pat.No. 6,308,204, the disclosure of which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety. A leading provider of this new generation ofjukebox systems is TouchTunes Music Corporation.

FIG. 1 shows an overview of an exemplary embodiment of a digitaldownloading jukebox system 10 (hereinafter referred to simply as a“jukebox system”). As shown in FIG. 1, the jukebox system 10 includes acentral server 12 that contains a master library of audio content(typically music), as well as or alternatively audiovisual content(typically music and associated video or graphics), that can bedownloaded therefrom. The jukebox system also includes a series ofremote jukebox devices 16, 16 a-16 f. Each of these jukebox devices aregenerally located in a bar, restaurant, club or other desired location,and are operable to play music in response to receiving a payment from auser, such as coins, bills, credit/debit card, etc., and having one ormore songs selected by the user for play. In an alternative embodiment,a music service is paid for on a subscription basis by the location, andthe selected music is free for the end-user. The jukebox device 16typically includes a screen 18 that presents information to the user andallows the user to select songs therefrom, as well as an audio system 20that plays the selected songs. The screen 18 may also be used fordisplaying song-related video or graphics. The screen 18 may also beused to display advertisements for the jukebox itself in order toattract customers thereto, to display other types of advertisementsand/or to display any other desired information.

The jukebox devices 16 (sometimes referred to as simply “jukeboxes”herein) are operable to communicate with the central server 12 through acommunications network 14, such as, for example, the Internet. Thejukeboxes 16 periodically communicate with the server 12 in order toprovide information to the server 12 regarding the specific songs thathave been played on the jukebox. The central server then uses thisinformation in order to determine the appropriate royalties and/or otherpayments that are owed for songs played on each jukebox. Thus, onesignificant advantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that thesound reproduction and/or other applicable music rights can be adheredto in a more accurate and reliable manner, thereby assuring the properroyalties are paid to the artists or music owners. The central server 12can also provide new songs to the jukebox 16 in order to assure that theappropriate or most popular songs are maintained on the jukebox based onthe specific customers at that location. Thus, the songs available oneach jukebox can be customized through communication with the centralserver in order to provide the songs and/or types of music thatcustomers generally request at each jukebox location. As described inthe above-referenced U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204, the central server canalso advantageously be used to update the operating software on thejukeboxes in order to, for example, change the operation of the jukebox,such as to provide new or improved features. Thus, another significantadvantage of this new generation of jukeboxes is that the songs (orother audio and/or visual content), and the operation of the jukeboxitself can be remotely changed as desired without the need to havesomeone (such as a routeman) personally service the jukebox. Instead,such updates can be done using the central server 12.

As indicated above, the jukebox devices 16 each include a mass storagedevice, such as a hard drive, which stores the songs and associatedvideo/graphics data (if any), as well as any other desired graphicalinformation for reproduction on the jukebox. The mass storage device ofthe jukebox typically has limited storage capacity relative to thestorage device of the central server 12. As a result, only a fraction ofthe songs stored on the central server are actually stored on the massstorage device of the jukebox at any one time. There may be otherreasons as well, such as for security of the data or limited room in thejukebox itself, for having limited storage capacity on the jukeboxand/or limiting the number of songs stored thereon. For example,physical space may be limited on wall-mount jukeboxes or the like, whichare designed to be small in size as compared to free standing models. Asexplained above, the songs on the jukebox can be changed throughcommunication with the central server, but any one jukebox only stores asubset of the complete library of songs maintained by the central serverat any one time.

In order to maximize the revenue that a jukebox generates it isimportant to make the most desired songs available on the jukebox overtime. If customers cannot find songs they like on the jukebox, usage ofthe jukebox (and the revenue generated thereby) will dramaticallydecrease. On the other hand, it is impossible to predict in advanceexactly what a customer at any particular location will desire to playon the jukebox. In fact, there are likely many instances where acustomer would have selected a song that exists on the central serverbut is not currently present on the jukebox. As a result, the jukeboxmay not be enjoyed and used to its fullest extent. In order to addressthis problem and increase revenue, jukebox systems have in the pastprovided a feature which enables the user to search for songs on thecentral server from the jukebox and request an immediate download of adesired song from the central server to the jukebox for an additionalfee. This feature enables the user to play any song in the masterlibrary of songs maintained by the central server using the jukebox,regardless of whether or not the specific song is presently stored inthe mass storage of the jukebox itself. Thus, the user can first lookfor desired songs on the local storage of the jukebox and then, ifdesired, search further on the central server for desired songs. Thejukebox device typically charges an additional fee (such as five creditsinstead on one credit) for an immediate download and play of a song fromthe central server as opposed to a standard play directly from thejukebox's local storage.

One problem, however, with the immediate downloading feature is that itis desirable to have an immediate and high speed connection with thecentral server to implement. In addition, the central server and networkmust be prepared to and capable of handling such requests in a reliableand efficient manner for the feature to properly operate. Theserequirements cannot always be met and, as a result, implementation ofthis feature has been limited. For example, many locations that havejukeboxes do not have high speed connections (such as DSL) and insteaduse dial-up modem connections. Jukeboxes which rely on dial-upconnections generally are only designed to communicate with the serverperiodically and do not allow the user to immediately download a song.They have, however, enabled a user to vote for a song to be downloadedat a later time when the dial-up connection is made. This, of course, isnot as satisfying to the user as being able to immediately download asong. Other problems can arise in connection with this download featureif the network or server is not currently available for the download,due to traffic, malfunctions or the like.

For the reasons explained above, there is a need for a jukebox systemthat overcomes these and other disadvantages. The instant invention isdesigned to address these and other problems and to provide even furtherfunctionality for such jukebox systems.

In accordance with an exemplary aspect of the instant invention, a localcontent server is provided for each jukebox in the jukebox system. Thelocal server preferably mirrors the master library of songs (and/orother content) on the central server. The local server is installed inclose proximity to the jukebox to which it is assigned and preferably inthe same restaurant or bar where the jukebox is installed. The localserver may even be installed within the housing of the jukebox deviceitself if space permits. Preferably, however, the local server is simplyinstalled in a convenient location and connected to the jukebox using ahigh speed connection, such as, for example, Ethernet or the like. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, the local server is used toimplement the immediate downloading feature described above without theneed for a high-speed connection with the central server. In otherwords, the user can first search the local storage on the jukebox fordesired songs and then, if desired, search further on the local serverfor desired songs. If the desired song is found on the local storage itis played from the local storage for a normal fee. On the other hand, ifthe song is only found on the local server, the song can be immediatelydownloaded, at the option of the user, from the local server to thejukebox for playing for a fee that is preferably higher than the normalfee. As a result, the immediate downloading feature can be reliablyimplemented regardless of the connection type to the central server andregardless of the availability of the network or the central server.Moreover, because the download comes from the local server rather thanthe central server is transparent to the user.

Alternatively, in another exemplary aspect, a jukebox is provided withlocally-attached expanded storage media. While not as large as theserver drive in the above preferred embodiment, the storage media may,in one embodiment, hold approximately 20% of the songs available on thecentral server. Studies have shown that the song group comprisingapproximately the top 20% of the most requested songs will satisfy theplay requests of approximately 80% of the end users. In anotherexemplary embodiment, this media may hold approximately 30% of the songsavailable on the central server, which correlates to the requests ofapproximately 90% of the end users. The amount of song data stored onthe media can be any suitable amount to accomplish the desiredfunctionality. For example, if new data indicates that only 10% of thesongs need to be stored, then that would be an appropriate amount tostore.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, the localserver or storage media is periodically updated with data (e.g., songs)to correspond with the contents of the master library of data (e.g.,songs). The updating may occur remotely using dial-up or broadbandconnections, or it may be updated manually by, for example, an operatorusing an update tool provided by the entity controlling the jukeboxsystem which can be directly connect to the jukebox or local server forthe purpose of updating the local server or storage media so that thecontents correspond to the master library on the central server, or sothat the contents at least correspond to the current desired percentageof the most selected songs.

In accordance with another exemplary embodiment, the server includes anarray of hard drives with associated IDE controller(s), amicroprocessor, a flash memory containing the BIOS and the operatingsystem, RAM and an Ethernet controller for communication with thejukebox. Each local server is preferably assigned or registered to thespecific jukebox to which it is connected. For security purposes, thedata on the local server preferably does not comprise any completesongs. Instead, the jukebox device includes missing data from each songon the local server, so that the jukebox can construct the entire songfrom the contents of its storage device and the contents of the localserver. The data on the local server is also preferably encrypted usingthe missing data (e.g., one block), thereby preventing songs from beingcopied or played from the local server by any device other than thejukebox to which it is assigned.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, acollection of local servers may be used as a network of distributedservers which can be controlled by the central server to provide musicservices to other devices which are connectable to the network throughwhich the central server and jukeboxes communicate. For example, thelocal servers and associated jukebox are used to deliver any requestedsong to a dedicated residential or commercial jukebox device (or othersuitable jukebox device) in addition to providing song services to thespecific jukebox to which it is connected and assigned.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the invention, thelocal server and jukebox device are used, under control of the centralserver, to provide management services for other types of coin operatedor payment triggered equipment, such as gaming devices, installed in thesame location as the jukebox. In other words, the jukebox system ispreferably used to update the functionality of and/or manage otherdownloading devices present in the same location. As a result, thejukebox functions as a “central hub” for all downloading equipment in alocation. This feature is achieved, in one embodiment, by networking allof the downloading devices in a single location together with thejukebox and local file server. The central server can then downloadinformation to the local server together with instructions to thejukebox as to which devices should be updated with what data and/orsoftware. The jukebox device and local server can also be used tocollect information from the other downloading devices to which it ismanaging and upload that information to the central server forreporting/accounting purposes. Thus, the owner/operator of the jukeboxsystem can act as a third party service provider to other coin-opcompanies for the purpose of managing and/or updating their equipment,such as electronic gaming equipment.

In accordance with an additional exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, the jukebox has, or is given, the processing power to playmultiple songs simultaneously through different outputs to differentzones. In a preferred embodiment, an establishment containing threezones: a restaurant, a bar, and a pool room, can have a number ofselections, up to the number of zones or speaker outputs, playing at thesame time. This allows for increased revenue in the jukebox system, aspatrons of any one zone can listen to a selected song at the same timeas patrons of another zone listen to a different song.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, the user may select a song to play in more than one zone ofthe establishment. This play may be simultaneous in the multiple zones,or may occur at different times. This allows the jukebox operator tocapture additional revenue for playing the same song more than once, andpotentially an even greater amount of revenue for guaranteeing that thesong is played simultaneously in multiple zones of the establishment.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, each zone is provided with a terminal which allows patronsin that zone to select songs for play on the jukebox. In a preferredembodiment, the terminal is a “dummy” terminal, provided with agraphical user interface (GUI) for song selection, however a gamingterminal or any other suitable device capable of providing a GUI may beused.

In accordance with an additional exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, the operator can restrict the selections that can be playedin a given zone. For example, in a restaurant zone of a multi-zoneestablishment, the operator may desire to restrict music to thatsuitable for a dining atmosphere. The operator can also restrict orallow other aspects of selection play in each zone, such as volume,priority play availability, etc.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, the jukebox may be provided with an algorithm or othermethod to selectively select background music, based on the zone, thetime, or any other suitable criteria.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, the different zones may be provided with independentpriority and non-priority play queues.

In accordance with an additional exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, jukeboxes with expanded song storage capability may provideonly a subset of the total songs stored as the basic available songs. Ifa user desires a song that is not a member of the provided subset, theuser may pay extra to have the song played. If the song is stored in thelarger master set on the expanded storage capacity, the song can bequeued up immediately, without the need for download, allowing usersfaster access to an expanded song selection. Even if the song is notavailable on the expanded list, the user may order the song, and ifsuitable conditions, such as a high speed connection, exist, the usermay hear the song almost immediately. Alternatively, the song may bedownloaded and saved for the user to select at a later date or time,such as, for example, when the jukebox is connecting in dial-up mode andneeds to download the songs at a later time.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, the jukebox can be set to “customize mode,” where users canuse an interface to select songs that will be transferred from the localserver or expanded media storage to the jukebox or jukebox set. Thismode could be used, for example, by regular users or customers andlocation staff to specify which songs should permanently reside on thejukebox after a jukebox is newly installed in a location.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a jukebox can “morph” based on a triggering event.Triggering events can include themed establishment nights, time changes,or any other suitable criteria. When the jukebox morphs, it may providea wholly or partially different subset of available songs for userselection at normal cost. Additionally, since the interface is a digitalone, new graphics, advertising or other suitable display changes mayoccur, in accordance with the morph. The morph may also selectivelyblock all access to certain songs, based on the appropriateness of thesong under the criteria which caused the morph. For example, if anestablishment had a “country night,” then the available songs mightshift to all country songs. The jukebox might further block expandedaccess to all songs that were not defined as appropriate for a “countrynight,” so that such blocked songs were not even available for play atan increased price until the morph had expired. The definition of“appropriate songs” can be a factory set definition, or can be definableby the operator of the jukebox or by any other suitable classificationmechanism.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, different terminals of a multi-zone system can morphindependently of each other, so that, for example, a bar zone may morphafter a certain hour while a restaurant zone may remain the same.

In accordance with an additional exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can bid on the right to have a song played beforeother songs previously selected for priority play are played. In apreferred embodiment, the user is shown the top price paid for apriority play, and can pay more than that price to obtain the highestpriority available.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user may not be shown how much anyone else has paid forpriority. The user can pay however much the user desires to spend toobtain a priority ranking, and then receive a ranking of priority basedon the amount paid.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can pay however much the user desires to spend toobtain a priority ranking, and then be shown the priority spot which hasbeen obtained based on the paid amount. If this spot is not satisfactoryto the user, the user can pay additional money to move the song up inpriority ranking. The user can also pay additional money to make itharder for other users to pre-empt the selected priority spot on thelist in a bidding-type situation. Any other suitable method ofincreased-pay-for-increased-priority may also be implemented.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can “lock in” a priority ranking with a payment of apre-selected amount. For example, if a user pays 15 credits to obtain aranking of 3^(rd) in priority, and wishes to guarantee the thirdranking, the user may pay, for example, 4 more credits to “lock in” theranking. Since locking in the ranking may require the “lock in” of allthe rankings above the user as well, the user may be required to pay acertain amount to “lock in” all songs above the user's selection. In onesuch situation, the user can either choose to pay the price quoted forthe “lock in” or pay the same or a varying amount of credits in anattempt to prevent future over-bidding or to move the user's song upfurther in the priority list.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, any of the aforementioned bidding strategies may beimplemented, and the user may be shown how much everyone has paid fortheir particular rankings. This allows the user to know exactly how muchhe will have to pay to obtain a certain priority position. If the “lockin” feature is implemented, this will also let a user know if it ischeaper to pay the price to “lock in” the song or to pay to move up onthe priority list. All of these options result in increased revenue forthe operator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, objects and advantages of the instantinvention will be further understood by review of the following detaileddescription of the invention when read in conjunction with the appendeddrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a conventional downloading digital jukeboxsystem;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the improved downloading digital jukeboxsystem in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the instantinvention;

FIG. 3 is an exemplary screen shot showing an initial selection screenin accordance with a preferred embodiment of the jukebox system of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is another screen shot showing an exemplary search screen for usein searching for songs on the local server in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 4A shows an exemplary process for using a Personal Music Assistantto search for songs that might be appropriate for a user-specifiedprofile;

FIG. 4B shows an explary process for using a Personal Music Assistant tosearch for songs that might be appropriate for a recognized user'sprofile;

FIG. 5 is another exemplary screen shot showing the results of a searchon the local server and providing the user an option of downloading adesired song to the jukebox device for a fee, in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the instant invention;

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary process for searching through a list ofpopular songs;

FIG. 6 is another exemplary screen shot showing an alternative method ofallowing access to the downloading feature of the instant invention;

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the localsever of the instant invention;

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of an exemplary overall network includingcommercial jukeboxes and residential jukeboxes, as well as otherdownloading devices and associated connections that are managed by thejukebox system of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout for amulti-zone jukebox system;

FIG. 10 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout fora multi-zone jukebox system with selection terminals in each zone;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a zoneselection process for a multi-zone jukebox system;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a priorityplay by zone selection process for a multi-zone jukebox system;

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary implementation of a multi-zone set ofpriority and non-priority queues, with a subset of queues for each zone;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an exemplary distribution andinitialization scheme for a jukebox with morph capability;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of anautomatic jukebox morph initiation process based on a triggering event;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a jukeboxmorphing process;

FIG. 17 shows the relationship between a jukebox with expanded mediastorage and a central server;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a song selectionprocess when a song is not in the “standard” available playable songlist; and

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a priority playqueue with prioritization-based-on-bidding capability.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of anexemplary preferred embodiment of an improved jukebox system 10′. Thejukebox system 10′ includes similar elements as shown in FIG. 1 anddescribed above, including a central server 12, communications network14, and remote jukebox devices 16, 16 a-16 f. However, the jukeboxsystem 10′ further includes local servers 22, 22 a-22 f respectivelyconnected to each of the jukebox devices 16, 16 a-16 f. The centralserver 12 includes a master library of songs (and/or other content).Each of the jukebox devices includes a subset of the master library on alocal storage device of the jukebox. The central server may be used toindividually manage the contents of the jukebox device, by monitoringusage of and updating the subset of songs on each of the jukebox deviceswith the intent of maximizing the usage thereof. The central server 12periodically receives data from each of the jukeboxes for the purpose ofroyalty accounting and payment for songs played. The jukebox devices mayconnect to the network in any suitable manner, such as dial-up modem orbroadband modem (e.g., DSL, cable, wireless broadband, or satellite).The communications network 14 may be any suitable network capable ofdistributing data (e.g., audiovisual data) from the central server 12 tothe jukeboxes 16 and enabling data to be uploaded from the jukeboxes 16to the central server 12.

The songs (and/or other data) are preferably digitized, compressed andencrypted by the central server 12 prior to sending songs to thejukeboxes for security and bandwidth purposes using known techniques.The songs are then decompressed and decrypted by the jukeboxes forstorage and reproduction thereon. Thus, each of the jukeboxes maintainsin a database a library of digitized songs for play on the jukebox,wherein the library can be changed or updated through communication bythe central server. The jukeboxes preferably also receive and store dataconstituting images (e.g., still and/or moving video and/or graphicalimages) that can be displayed on the display 18 of the jukebox device16. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, the jukebox deviceshave the structure and operation described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,308,204referenced above. Thus, the jukebox devices 16 each preferably includeone or more microprocessors, such as a main CPU and an audio DSP, amemory, such as a hard drive, for storing songs and/or other content, adisplay of displaying visual items, an audio arrangement 20 forproviding audio, a communication system for enabling the jukebox tocommunicate with the central server 12 through the communicationsnetwork 14, and operating software, preferably including a multitaskingoperating system, that controls the operation of the jukebox. Theoperating software is also preferably updateable through communicationwith the central server 12 as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. No.6,308,204 referenced above. The jukeboxes 16 further include one or morepayment devices, such as coin, bill and/or credit card input devices,for enabling a customer to pay for usage of the jukebox device in aconvenient manner. The screen 18 is preferably a touch screen thatenables the user to input selections by touching the screen.

Each jukebox device has a local server 22 that can be accessed by thejukebox device. The local servers are respectively connected to thejukebox devices using Ethernet or other type of local connection. Thelocal servers 22 each preferably include a mirror copy of the masterlibrary of musical recordings maintained by the central server 12. Thelocal server 22 can be loaded with the master library by the entity thatowns and/or controls the jukebox network prior to shipping the localserver and jukebox device to the jukebox distributor or operator. Ofcourse, over time, the local sever will no longer correspond identicallyto the central server, due to the fact that the central server ispreferably continually updated with additional or new songs. Thus, thelocal servers 22 are also preferably updated periodically to maintain acorrespondence with the library on the central server 12. This updatingcan be done, for example, by the central server 12 through communicationwith the jukebox devices connected with the local servers 22 using, forexample, either dial-up or broadband modems. Alternatively, the updatingcan be done personally with an update tool that can be connected by arouteman or other person directly to the jukebox or local server for thepurpose of updating the contents of the local server. The portable toolcould include a removable storage medium, such as a hard drive, thatcould be returned to and reused by the owner of the jukebox system forfuture updates. The tool itself could be keep by the operator or otherperson in charge of maintaining specific jukeboxes for use upon receiptof the updated removable storage medium from the owner of the jukeboxsystem.

For security reasons, the local server 22 preferably does not includeall of the digital data that constitutes any one song that is stored onthe local server 22. In addition, the part of the song that is on thelocal server is encrypted. The jukebox device 16 contains the missingpart of each of the songs on the local server, thereby enabling thejukebox to assemble the complete song based on the contents of the localserver and the memory on the jukebox device. The missing data located onthe jukebox is needed in order to decrypt the songs. For example, asingle block (or other small fraction) of data for each song may bemissing on the local server but present on the jukebox device, and theencryption may be based on the missing block and may proceed on a blockby block basis. Thus, none of the blocks can be decrypted withoutobtaining and/or decrypting a preceding block. This feature providessignificant security and prevents or deters theft or other type ofunauthorized use or copying of the songs on the local server. Thus, inthis embodiment, each local server must be specifically assigned to aspecific jukebox device so that the decryption described above can beproperly performed.

In accordance with a preferred exemplary embodiment, the local serversmay also each be individually registered with and identified to thecentral server 12, so that the central server can individually manageand monitor each local server. The same is true for the jukebox deviceitself, i.e., it may also preferably be registered with the centralserver so that it too can be individually monitored and managed by thecentral server. As will be understood from the foregoing description,the local servers become an important and advantageous part of thejukebox system by allowing the contents thereof to be accessed by thejukebox device to provide additional services (such as providingadditional songs) not available on the jukebox device itself. As will beexplained below, the song library of the central server and/or thestorage capacity itself can be advantageously used to provide servicesto other jukeboxes, such as fee-based residential and commercialjukeboxes and/or other fee-based equipment. One preferred use of thelocal servers may be to provide an immediate song downloading featurefor the jukebox device will now be described below in detail withreference to the exemplary screen shots of FIGS. 3-6.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary screen shot for a music selection screen 30 asdisplayed on the touch display of the jukebox device. As can be seen inFIG. 3, this selection screen, which is preferably the initial selectionscreen displayed to a customer, includes graphical representations 32 ofthe various album covers for songs that are stored in the memory of thejukebox device. The albums covers are shown in alphabetical order andthe virtual slide bar 33 can be used to scroll through the availablealbums. Up and down arrows (34 and 35) are also provided for steppingthrough the available albums. A “Now Playing” button 36 is also providedfor showing information on the song currently playing on the jukebox (ifany). A “Top Ten” button 38 is also provided for showing a list of theten most popular songs on the jukebox. A “Tune Central” (TM ofTouchTunes Music Corporation) button 39 is also provided, the functionof which will now be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

If the user does not see an album of interest in the display of albumcovers or desires for any reason to search for available songs that arenot present on the jukebox device, the user may select the “TuneCentral” button 39. When the “Tune Central” button is pressed, thedisplay on the jukebox is changed from that of FIG. 3 to that of FIG. 4.The exemplary screen shot of FIG. 4 shows a search screen 40 whichenables a search to be performed on the local server 22 connected to thejukebox device. This screen 40 provides a virtual keyboard 42 for use inentering a search request. The search can be done by album, artist,song, or genres or themes (i.e. categorized lists of songs, preferablybased on popularity, that help a user find a particular song), based onthe associated buttons 47. Once a search is typed, the user touches the“Search” button 44 and a search of the contents of the local server isinitiated. Input from the virtual keyboard can be cleared using the“Clear” button 46.

Similar to the genres and themes search, a user may, for example, searchfor a song using a Personal Music Assistant, an exemplary process forwhich is shown in FIG. 4A. Preferably, after pressing a PersonalAssistant button (step 402), the jukebox would ask certain informationto identify the user if the user is not already identified (step 404).Such information could include, for example, age (or date of birth),preferred style, background, place of birth, or other information thatcould be used to generate a profile of the user. The jukebox thenpreferably could compare the profile information to selections made byother users with similar profiles (step 406) from, for example, thespecific jukebox, the particular establishment, or a national databaseand recommend songs (step 408). For example, the jukebox might suggest asong by “The Doors” to a male user from California who was born in 1960.The user could then choose a song from that list or initiate a newsearch (step 410).

Furthermore, instead of entering identifiers, as shown in FIG. 4B, thePersonal Music Assistant could recognize a user in other ways (step422), such as, for example, after a credit card or a pre-programmedsite-specific identification card is swiped by the jukebox. Preferably,the Personal Music Assistant would maintain a list of selections made bythe user. The user's list of selections could be maintained, forexample, on a local jukebox terminal, on a site's central jukeboxserver, on a remote server, or on an identification card. After thePersonal Music Assistant recognizes the user, it could then recommendsongs based on, for example, songs by the artists the particular userenjoys (step 426), songs played frequently by the user (428), songs notheard recently by the user (430), etc.

Additionally, a Personal Music Assistant recognizing, for example, apreferred customer or a customer with a large number of credits mightmorph the jukebox into a jukebox more enjoyable to that specific user.Credits could be, for example, purchased by the user; or given to theuser as a reward, for example, for purchasing drinks or souvenirs at anestablishment, or for being a regular repeat customer. Thus, a PersonalMusic Assistant could make selecting songs a more enjoyable, dynamic,and responsive process while removing the immediate pressure place onthe user to know which song to choose.

When a search is initiated from screen 40, the screen is changes to thatshown in FIG. 5 to display the results of the search. As shown in FIG.5, the results of the search are listed. More particularly, in thisexample, a list of songs that satisfy the search request are listed. Thelist could also be by album if the search was album based. The user canscroll through the search results using slide bar 53. The user is alsoshown a display 55 of the number of current credits and a display 56 ofthe number of credits that are required to download a song from thelocal server to the jukebox device. The user can go back to the previousscreen by touching the “Back” button 57. If the user selects and songfrom the search list and then touches the “Get It Now” button 54, thejukebox is operable to immediately download the selected song from thelocal server to the jukebox for play on the jukebox. The downloaded songcan be queued up with any other selected but unplayed songs (if any) forplay on the Jukebox. In this example, the download costs five creditsinstead of one credit like a normal selection from the storage of thejukebox itself. Once the downloaded song is played, it is preferablydeleted from the jukebox device (together with any graphical data, suchas the album cover graphic) that was also downloaded from the localserver in connection with the song download). In this way, the user hasthe option, through use of the “Tune Central” button, to temporarilyobtain on the jukebox any song from the master library of recordingswithout the need to contact the central server 12. As a result, thejukebox provides a more enjoyable experience for the user, while alsoincreasing revenue generated thereby.

Also providing an enjoyable experience for the user is the centralservers' capability to identify “hot hits,” preferably in real-time.Preferably, new songs could be made available in a master catalog—thatis, they need not reside on local servers or expanded media storage.Then, songs played frequently in a given area (ranging from, forexample, a single site or group of sites, to a state or country, to aglobal connection) could be identified as popular. These songs, or “hothits,” preferably could be downloaded by, or sent to, individualjukeboxes. Individual jukeboxes preferably would maintain lists of “hothits” in real-time, allowing users to search through the most popularsongs at any given time. Alternatively, a jukebox might maintain a listof “hot hits” without downloading the popular songs, thereby potentiallysaving download time and resources. As a result, the jukebox couldprovide an enjoyable experience for the user by providing easy access tothe most popular songs.

FIG. 5A shows an exemplary process for maintaining a “hot list” on ajukebox with a broadband connection. It should be noted that the sameprocess could apply for a system with a different type of connection,though more time and resources may be used to download a song over aslower connection. In step 502, songs from a master catalog are receivedby a site's central server. Of course, it should be noted that songscould be stored to a local jukebox's storage media. In step 504, a userusing a jukebox terminal would select a “Hot List” button. After the“Hot List” is displayed (step 506), the user could select a particularsong or initiate a new search (508).

FIG. 6 shows another exemplary screen shot of a song selection screen 60that is displayed when a user touches an album cover graphic from thescreen 30 of FIG. 3. Thus, this screen shows an alternative (or typical)method of selecting a song, wherein the song is selected directly fromthe subset of songs that are directly available from the storage deviceof the jukebox itself (rather than the local server). In this example,Joe Cocker's Greatest Hits was selected from the screen of FIG. 3. Asshown in FIG. 6, the resulting screen display 60 shows the selectedalbum graphic 61 and a list of the songs 62 that are available on thejukebox for that album. The jukebox may or may not include all of thesongs for a particular album. The available songs can be scrolledthrough if necessary using scroll bars 63 a and 63 b. The user has theoption, through the “Play” button 65, to select a song from the list forplay on the jukebox. A “Play Now” button 66 is also provided forenabling the user to select a priority play of the song, thereby givingthe song a higher priority than songs selected using the “Play” button65. This priority feature preferably requires more play credits than thenormal play. A display 67 shows the number of credits available for theuser. Button 64 shows other albums for the same artist being shown at61, thereby enabling a user to easily search through the albums for aparticular artist for a desired song.

As also shown in FIG. 6, a “Tune Central” button 68 is displayed thatenables the user to search for songs by this same artist on the localserver as explained in connection with FIG. 4. In other words, button 68takes the user to the search screen 40 of FIG. 4 for searching the localserver. The user can then proceed to search the local server and selectsongs therefrom, if desired, as described above in connection with FIGS.4 and 5. Thus, as explained above, the user can access the local serverat various screens in a convenience and efficient manner, depending onthe desires of the user when interacting with the jukebox screen.

As can be seen from FIGS. 3-6, the user is provided with the option ofplaying songs that are resident on the jukebox device itself or,alternatively, selecting songs from the local server for download andplay in an efficient and reliable manner, thereby significantlyimproving the operation of jukebox systems, particularly those thatcannot quickly, easily or reliably receive downloads of music on demandfrom a central server. It is noted that the screen shots of FIGS. 3-6are only exemplary and any suitable screen configurations can be used toprovide the functionality described herein. In addition, the jukeboxoperator is provided with the ability through operator screens (notshown) to set filters per genre or style of music in order to limitaccess to the end user and avoid undesirable music being played at aspecific location.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram of the electronic elements that define thelocal server 22 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. As shown inFIG. 7, the local server 22 includes a CPU 72 (e.g., AMD Elan 100 MHz),a flash memory (e.g., 8 MB) containing the BIOS and OS, a pair ofmaster/slave hard drives (82, 84 and 86, 88, respectively), a pair ofIDE controllers 78 and 80 for the hard drive pairs respectively, a RAM76 (e.g., 32 MB), an Ethernet controller for controlling communicationwith the jukebox device 16, and the appropriate buses interconnectingthe various elements. Of course, other configurations or arrangementsfor the local server 22 may be used. A unique identifier may be providedin the local server for enabling the local server to be uniquelyidentified and registered by the jukebox and/or central server. Theidentifier may, for example, be located in the flash memory 74.

As will be appreciated from the description of the invention above, theaddition of the local server significantly enhances the operation of thejukebox devices that are part of a jukebox system. However, the localservers also provide other benefits and features that will now bedescribed.

A collection of local servers 22 may be used as a network of distributedservers that can be controller by the central server 12 through itsassociated jukebox device 16 to provide music services to other devices.For example, the local servers and associated jukebox can be used todeliver requested songs to a dedicated residential or commercial jukeboxdevice (or other suitable jukebox device) in addition to providing songservices to the specific jukebox to which it is connected and assigned.Thus, the network of distributed servers can provide a support networkfor implementing residential and commercial jukeboxes of the type whichallow a user to download songs for reproduction and/or storage at aresidential or commercial location for an appropriate fee. As a result,the jukebox system operator can provide and control commercial jukeboxesand well as residential jukeboxes through the jukebox system. In thisembodiment, the jukebox device and/or local server are connected to theInternet (or other suitable network) using a broadband modem and isprovided with software that can selectively deliver song files to anydedicated residential jukebox device (also connectable to the Internet)under control of the central server. The central server receivesrequests from a residential jukebox and, by analyzing traffic on thenetwork, provides instructions to a selected jukebox device to downloadthe requested song file (either from its memory or from the localserver) to the residential jukebox for a fee or under a subscriptionplan for the residential jukebox.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the invention, the localserver and jukebox device are used, under control of the central server,to provide management services for other types of coin operated orpayment triggered equipment, such as gaming devices, installed in thesame location as (or in close proximity to) the jukebox. In other words,the jukebox system is preferably used to update the functionality ofand/or manage other downloading devices present in the same location. Asa result, the jukebox becomes a “central hub” for all downloadingequipment in a location. This feature is achieved, in one embodiment, bynetworking all of the downloading devices in a single location togetherwith the jukebox and local file server. The central server can thendownload information to the local server together with instructions tothe jukebox as to which devices should updated with what data and/orsoftware. The jukebox device and central server can also be used tocollect information from the other downloading devices to which it ismanaging and upload that information to the central server forreporting/accounting purposes. Thus, the owner/operator of the jukeboxsystem can act as a third party service provider to other coin-opcompanies for the purpose of managing and/or updating their equipment.

The large amounts of memory provided by the local servers and the factthat they are provided and accessible at thousands of locations over awell controlled network, turns the jukebox system into a powerful toolthat can be used to perform a variety of functions in the coin-opindustry. More and more coin-op manufacturers are going towards gamesthat are software upgradeable through their internal hard drives. Theseupdates are done periodically, but as these devices increase there willbe an ever increasing need for a system that can reliably andefficiently perform the updates from a remote location. The jukeboxsystem described herein satisfies this need by enabling all suitableelectronic coin-op devices at a jukebox location to be managed by thecentral server using the jukebox and local server at the location. Thecentral server can download software or data updates, store them on thelocal server and then dispatch the updates to the intended units ofequipment in the establishment. Thus, the jukebox system can act as athird party service provider to other companies in the coin-op business,thereby significantly enhancing the functionality of the jukebox system.

As an example, there are currently about 140,000 Merit coin-operatedcountertop devices in the USA, each of which enables users to play gamesand the like for a fee. Many of these devices operate with a hard drivethat can be upgraded with new software. Merit does this by shippingCD-ROMs to operators who then need to drive to each location andmanually update each machine. In accordance with the instant invention,however, all suitable coin-op equipment at a location are connected(directly or indirectly) with the local jukebox and local serverassigned thereto. This enables the central server to receive theintended software update for any device, together with information thatidentifies what devices are to upgraded with what software. The upgradeservices are preferably fee based and provide an additional revenuestream for the jukebox system. The central server then downloads thesoftware to the local servers with the upgrade instructions to furtherdownload the upgrades to the appropriate device(s).

As explained above, the local server enables songs to be downloaded to acommercial jukebox to which it is assigned or to residential jukeboxesunder control of the central server. In addition, the local servers canbe used for an on-premise networked application which manages othercoin-op devices. These various features of the instant invention areillustrated in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 shows a block diagram of a complete jukebox system network ascontemplated by an exemplary embodiment. As explained above, the systemincludes a central server 12 connected to a communications network 14, aseries of commercial jukeboxes 16 a, 16 b and 16 c with associated localmusic file servers 22 a, 22 b and 22 c, a series of residentialjukeboxes 100 a, 100 b and 100 c connected to the network via broadbanddevices 102 a, 102 b and 102 c, and an on-premise network shown on theright hand side of FIG. 8. This on-premise network includes a jukeboxdevice 16 d connected via a router or network hub 110 to a local fileserver 22 d, a number of additional coin-op equipment, such as a dartgame 104, a golf game 106 and a countertop videogame 108, and abroadband modem 112 connecting this local network to the communicationsnetwork 14. With this exemplary configuration as shown in FIG. 8 all ofthe functionality described herein can be implemented through thejukebox system of the instant invention.

FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout for amulti-zone jukebox system. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment,the establishment has three zones 121, 123, 125. Each zone is equippedwith its own set of speakers 127, 129, 131, which are operably connectedto the jukebox 133. Different music may be played simultaneously in allthree zones 121, 123, 125 and all the music may be played from a singlejukebox 133. The jukebox 133 may be provided with additional hardware toallow this implementation.

Alternatively, the user may elect to have a song played in more than oneof the zones 121, 123, 125 simultaneously, or in more than one of thezones at different times. The user may have to pay additional credits toimplement either of these features. A preferred embodiment of amulti-zone system could play music at a high quality in the differentzones using the system described in application Ser. No. 11/023,390,filed Dec. 29, 2004, entitled “Wireless Digital Transmission System forLoudspeakers,” which is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 09/161,584,filed on Sep. 28, 1998. The entire contents of both applications isincorporated herein by reference. Using this system, for example, ajukebox could compress and transmit audio data through AC power lines toan addressable location, where it could be received, decompressed,converted, and played.

It is to be appreciated that Wireless Digital Transmission System can beused for other purposes in other embodiments where data needs to be sentbetween two or more devices. For example, this system could be used toconfigure dummy terminals. In such an embodiment, the Wireless DigitalTransmission System could be used to send information such as, forexample, whether to morph, what songs are appropriate given a particularmorphing of the jukebox, the zones in which selected music should beplayed, maximum volume levels, etc.

The operator may also restrict what kind of music is available in agiven zone, based on the type of activity in the zone, the time of day,or any other suitable selection criteria. For example, in FIG. 9 zonethree 125 is a restaurant. Restaurant patrons may not wish to listen tothe same type of music as someone in zone one 121, which is a bar roomin FIG. 9, or in zone two 123, which is a pool room. The operator mayrecognize this and restrict the type of music that can be played in zonethree 125. Alternatively, the operator may restrict the volume of themusic in any given zone. For example, patrons of a pool room 123 or arestaurant section 125 may not want the music as loud as it is desiredto be in the bar room 121. And maybe the restaurant section 121 is to bekept quieter even than the pool room 123. The owner can adjust andcontrol all suitable settings to provide the most versatile, patronfriendly environment in each of the zones, based on any suitablecriteria.

FIG. 10 shows an overhead view of an exemplary establishment layout fora multi-zone jukebox system with selection terminals in each zone. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, the bar has three zones 121,123, 125. Each zone is equipped with its own set of speakers 127, 129,131, which are operably connected to the jukebox 133. Different musicmay be played simultaneously in all three zones 121, 123, 125 and allthe music may be played from a single jukebox 133. The jukebox 133 maybe provided with additional hardware to allow this implementation.

In FIG. 10 there are also one or more “dummy” terminals 137, 139 locatedthroughout the establishment. An exemplary illustrative dummy terminalcould use X-server technology. These terminals 137, 139, which may bestand alone devices or may be provided as part of the interface on agaming machine or other suitable device with a digital display, allowselection of songs from the jukebox 133. These terminals 137, 139duplicate the zone restrictions imposed on the main jukebox interfaceand selection criteria. The terminals 137, 139 may be restricted to onlyallowing selection of music for play in the zone where each respectiveterminal is located, or they may allow selection for play in one or moredifferent zones.

Additionally, the graphical interface of the terminals 137, 139 maychange in accordance with available selections, themes of the bar,themes of the room in which each terminal is located, or any othersuitable criteria.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a zoneselection process for a multi-zone jukebox system. In accordance with anexemplary embodiment, the jukebox first begins the transaction 141 withthe user. The user is instructed to select a song 143, and select one ormore zones 145 in which the song is to be played. The jukebox thendetermines the price based on the number of zones selected 147. Thejukebox accepts payment from the user 149 and queues the song for playin the selected zone or zones 151. Next, the jukebox checks to see ifthe user would like to select another song 153. If the user wantsanother song, the process returns to the select song step 143 andrepeats from there. If the user is finished making selections, theprocess ends 155.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a priorityplay by zone selection process for a multi-zone jukebox system. Inaccordance with an exemplary embodiment, certain jukebox systems may beprovided with one or more priority queues corresponding to one or morezones. If priority play is provided for a zone or zones, the jukeboxfirst checks to see if the user would like to select priority play forthe selected song 161. If priority play is selected, the jukebox thenprovides an option for the user to choose a zone or zones in whichpriority play should occur 163. Based on the number of zones selectedfor priority play, the jukebox determines a price 165, and acceptspayment of that price 167 from the user. The jukebox then places thesong in a priority play queue for each selected zone 169.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary implementation of a multi-zone set ofpriority and non-priority queues, with a subset of queues for each zone.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, each of N zones 171 may beprovided with its own set of queues, comprising a priority queue 175 anda non-priority queue 173. A list of songs selected for play ismaintained within each queue 173, 175. Each song in each queue may beprovided with an identifier 177, 179, which identifies the song, and/orthe position of the song in the queue, and/or any other suitablefactors.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an exemplary distribution andinitialization scheme for a jukebox with morph capability. In accordancewith an exemplary embodiment, the contents of a factory drive aredefined at the point of manufacture 181. This same drive (expanded mediastorage) may be shipped out with all jukeboxes 183, and may only containa subset of the total number of songs available on the central server.Once the jukebox containing the drive has reached its destination, theoperator may select a subset of songs on the drive as the basic playablelist 185. This selection can be made based on the type of establishment,the type of music the establishment's patrons typically prefer, or anyother suitable criteria. The operator may also allow the central serverto recommend a basic playable list. The drive may also allow selectionof songs not on the basic list for an additional fee 187. This list of“alternate” songs might not include all songs however, as the operatormight desire to restrict access to songs that don't meet the theme ofthe establishment. For example, a country bar owner might not ever wantto allow selection of rap or hip-hop songs on the jukebox.

Once the songs on the drive have been appropriately categorized, thejukebox begins operation 189. As long as a new basic playable list isnot desired 191, the jukebox continues to operate 189 with the currentlyselected basic playable list. If a new basic playable list is desired191, the jukebox morphs 193 into a “new” jukebox, selecting a differentplayable subset of songs for basic selection 185, and changingadditional characteristics as dictated by the morph.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of anautomatic jukebox morph initiation process based on a triggering event.In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user may define an event201, for example a themed night or a time of day, as a triggering eventwhich triggers a jukebox morph. The jukebox then operates as normal 203,checking periodically to see if the triggering event occurs 205. If thetriggering event has not occurred, the jukebox simply continues tooperate 203, but if the triggering event occurs, the jukebox is morphedinto a “new” jukebox. The triggering events may be one time events, orthey may be scheduled to occur weekly, daily, monthly or scheduled basedon any other suitable criteria. It should be noted that in a multi-zoneconfiguration, different zones may be morphed while others do notchange. This feature of the illustrative embodiments allows, forexample, a given zone or zones to be dedicated to a certain kind ofmusic while the other(s) may vary based on any variety of factors, suchas the time of day, an owner's desire to change the music, or a user'srequest.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an exemplary implementation of a jukeboxmorphing process. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, when thejukebox begins morphing 211, it selects a new subset of songs to be thebasic playable list 213. The jukebox then allows some or all of theremaining songs on the jukebox to be selected for an enhanced fee 215.Some of the remaining songs may be restricted based on what triggeredthe morph. Other characteristics of the jukebox may also change 217, forexample, the user interface may be changed, and different advertisingmay be displayed which corresponds with the predicted tastes of thecrowd for which the jukebox has been morphed. Other suitable changes mayalso be made. In one example of a preferred embodiment, a club owner hasa hip-hop night on Wednesdays, beginning at 9:00 pm and ending at 4:00am. At 9:00 pm on Wednesdays, the jukebox morphs into a hip-hop jukebox,with a basic selection of appropriate music. In accordance with themorph, the jukebox blocks all access to genres of music such as countrymusic, classic rock, jazz, blues and oldies, and the jukebox limits theavailable selection of hard rock additional songs to “hip-hop-esque”hard rock songs. The graphics on the jukebox convert to edgy, urbangraphics, and the advertising changes accordingly, displaying productssuch as apparel, drinks, and goods which should appeal to the hip-hopcrowd. At 4:00 am, the jukebox morphs back into the “standard” jukeboxfor that club, or into any other suitable jukebox. Alternatively, thejukebox may remain set in hip-hop mode until the next triggering eventoccurs. Again, it should be noted that in a multi-zone configuration,different zones may be morphed while others do not change. In the aboveexemplary non-limiting embodiments, the system might morph into hip-hopin one zone for the night, while the “standard” music for the clubremains playing in another area.

FIG. 17 shows the relationship between a jukebox with expanded mediastorage and a central server. In accordance with an exemplaryembodiment, the central server 221 contains a master library of songs,such library comprising all songs that are currently available to bedownloaded and all songs currently installed on jukebox hard drives. Thecentral server may communicate 222 with the remote jukebox 225containing a local hard drive 223. The hard drive 223 on the jukebox mayhave several sections, including available space for downloads 227,space occupied by preloaded songs 228, and space for software and anoperating system 229. Additional suitable sections may be added, forexample, a section containing different pictures for altering the GUI.The jukebox 225 may communicate with the central server 221 to downloadsongs, upload usage information, update software, and perform any othersuitable functions.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a song selectionprocess when a song is not in the “standard” available playable songlist. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the user first selectsa song 231. The jukebox checks to see if the song is available on thelocal hard drive as a “non-standard” selection 233. If the song isavailable on the local hard drive, the jukebox charges the customer theprice set for obtaining and playing a non-standard song 235 and playsthe song 237 (or adds it to a playlist, when appropriate).

If the song is not available on the local hard drive, the jukebox checksto see if a high-speed connection to the central server is available239. If there is no high-speed connection, the jukebox informs the userthat the song is temporarily unavailable 241 and orders the song fordownload 243. The jukebox may or may not charge an additional amount forordering the song. If, however, there is an available high-speedconnection to the central server, the jukebox orders the songimmediately and uses the high-speed connection to download the songright away, queuing it up for playing 245. The jukebox then charges thecustomer the price of a non-standard selection 247.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an exemplary process for a priority playqueue with prioritization-based-on-bidding capability. According to anexemplary embodiment, the user first indicates that he would likepriority play 251. The jukebox then displays the current status of thepriority play queue 253. This display may include information such ashow many songs are in the queue, what the top bid is, how much has beenbid on each song, which songs are “locked in,” and any other suitableinformation about the priority queue. The jukebox then allows the userto select how much additional money the user would like to pay to placehis song in a particular spot on the priority list and accepts paymentin the selected amount 255. After accepting the payment 255, the jukeboxplaces the song in a position on the priority list corresponding to theadditional amount received from the user 257.

Alternatively, in another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can bid on the right to have a song played beforeother songs previously selected for priority play are played. In apreferred embodiment, the user is shown the top price paid for apriority play, and can pay more than that price to obtain the highestpriority available.

Another exemplary aspect of the illustrative embodiments does not allowa user to be shown how much anyone else has paid for priority. The usercan pay however much the user desires to spend to obtain a priorityranking, and then receive a ranking of priority based on the amountpaid.

In accordance with a further exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, a user can pay however much the user desires to spend toobtain a priority ranking in accordance with the previous exemplaryaspect, and then be shown the priority spot which has been obtainedbased on the paid amount. If this spot is not satisfactory to the user,the user can pay additional money to move the song up in priorityranking, and be shown the new priority ranking obtained based on theadditional money paid. The user can repeat this process until thedesired priority ranking has been obtained. The user can also payadditional money to make it harder for other users to pre-empt theselected priority spot on the list in a bidding-type situation. Anyother suitable method of increased-pay-for-increased-priority may alsobe implemented.

In accordance with an additional exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments which may provide a “lock in” feature, a user can “lock in”a priority ranking with a payment of a pre-selected amount. For example,if a user pays 15 credits to obtain a ranking of 3^(rd) in priority, andwishes to guarantee the third ranking, the user may pay, for example, 4more credits to “lock in” the ranking. Since locking in the ranking mayrequire the “lock in” of all the rankings above the user as well, theuser may be required to pay a certain amount to “lock in” all songsabove the user's selection. In one such situation, the user can eitherchoose to pay the price quoted for the “lock in” or pay the same or avarying amount of credits in an attempt to prevent future over-biddingor to move the user's song up further in the priority list.

In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the illustrativeembodiments, any of the aforementioned bidding strategies may beimplemented, and the user may be shown how much everyone has paid fortheir particular rankings. This allows the user to know exactly how muchhe will have to pay to obtain a certain priority position. If the “lockin” feature is implemented, this will also let a user know if it ischeaper to pay the price to “lock in” the song or to pay to move up onthe priority list. All of these options result in increased revenue forthe operator.

It should be noted that although the embodiments above describe a systemfor distributing media to non-movable jukeboxes, alternative embodimentsusing similar systems could distribute media to portable jukebox devicesand are contemplated by, and within the scope and spirit of, thisinvention. A portable jukebox may be, for example, a PDA, a cell phone,or any other movable device capable of receiving and playing music.Furthermore, media may be distributed to portable jukeboxes using theabove described methods (e.g. through a broadband connection, wirelessconnection, etc.), or any other appropriate method, more suited to theparticular portable device, such as, for example, using Bluetoothtechnology. Additionally, the jukeboxes described above typically arefor commercial purposes. However, jukeboxes for other purposes such as,for example, playing residential media, also are contemplated by, andwithin the scope and spirit of, this invention.

While the preferred aspects of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in theart that various changes and/or modifications can be made. Thus, thespecific description herein is meant to be exemplary only and is notintended to limit the invention beyond the terms of appended claims.

1. A method of operating a jukebox, the method comprising: providing astorage location storing a plurality of instances of media available foroutput on the jukebox and a plurality of output channels, wherein afirst output channel and at least a second output channel different fromthe first output channel are controllable to simultaneously outputdifferent instances of media; collecting a fixed amount of money forplaying one or more selected instances of media; receiving inputcorresponding to a selection, by a jukebox user, of one or more of theplurality of output channels to which one or more of the selected one ormore instances of media is/are to be output; and charging the jukeboxuser an additional amount of money greater than the fixed amount ofmoney when the jukebox user selects more than one of the outputchannels.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising outputting toplural output channels one or more of the selected one or more instancesof media at the same time in dependence on the input from the jukeboxuser and whether an appropriate amount of money has been charged to andcollected from the jukebox user.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein aplurality of output devices are operably connected to the plurality ofoutput channels.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising receivinginput from the jukebox user requesting that different selected instancesof media be output to different output channels.
 5. The method of claim1, further comprising storing a queue of instances of media for each ofthe plurality of output channels.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: associating a non-priority queue and a priority queue witheach said output channel; maintaining each non-priority queue such thatinstances of media selected by users for playback on the associatedoutput channel are stored in the order that they were selected by theone or more users; and maintaining each priority queue such thatinstances of media selected by users for playback on the associatedoutput channel are prioritized based on a predefined prioritizationalgorithm.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the prioritizationalgorithm specifies that an instance of media for which a greater amountof money was collected is given priority in the associated priorityqueue over another instance of media for which a lesser amount wascollected by the collection mechanism.
 8. The method of claim 7, furthercomprising displaying an amount of money collected for each instance ofmedia in the priority queue corresponding to one of the plurality ofoutput channels.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the prioritizationalgorithms of more than one of the plurality of priority queuescorresponding to more than one of the plurality of the output channelsis configured to assign a same priority position in the respective liststo a specific instance of media selected for output on the more than oneof the plurality of output channels to guarantee simultaneous play onthe more than one of the plurality of output channels.
 10. The method ofclaim 9, further comprising charging an additional amount of money forguaranteeing simultaneous play.
 11. A method of operating a jukebox, themethod comprising: providing a storage location storing a plurality ofinstances of media available for output on the jukebox and a pluralityof output channels, wherein a first output channel and at least a secondoutput channel different from the first output channel are controllableto simultaneously output different instances of media; associating anon-priority queue and a priority queue with each said output channel;maintaining each non-priority queue such that instances of mediaselected by users for playback on the associated output channel arestored in the order that they were selected by the one or more users;maintaining each priority queue such that instances of media selected byusers for playback on the associated output channel are prioritizedbased on a predefined prioritization algorithm; receiving inputs fromusers specifying one or more instances of media for playback via thejukebox, whether one or more of the specified one or more instances ofmedia should be prioritized for playback, and whether one or more of thespecified one or more instances of media should be output to multipleoutput channels; and charging different amounts of money from usersbased on their inputs, wherein prioritized selections cost more thannon-prioritized selections and output to multiple output channels costsmore than output to a single output channel.
 12. A method of operating ajukebox system including at least one jukebox and at least oneelectronic device located remote from the at least one jukebox, themethod comprising: providing a storage location storing a plurality ofinstances of media available for output via a plurality of outputchannels operably connected to the jukebox system, wherein a firstoutput channel and at least a second output channel different from thefirst output channel are controllable to simultaneously output differentinstances of media; associating a non-priority queue and a priorityqueue with each said output channel; maintaining each non-priority queuesuch that instances of media selected by users for playback on theassociated output channel are stored in the order that they wereselected by the one or more users; maintaining each priority queue suchthat instances of media selected by users for playback on the associatedoutput channel are prioritized based on a predefined prioritizationalgorithm; receiving inputs from users specifying (a) one or moreinstances of media for playback and (b) whether one or more of thespecified one or more instances of media should be output to multipleoutput channels; and charging different amounts of money from usersbased on their inputs such that output to multiple output channels costsmore than output to a single output channel.
 13. The method of claim 12,further comprising receiving additional inputs from users specifyingwhether one or more of the specified one or more instances of mediashould be prioritized for playback, and wherein users are charged suchthat prioritized selections cost more than non-prioritized selections.14. The method of claim 12, wherein the inputs are receivable via pluraluser interfaces to the jukebox system respectively provided to the atleast one jukebox and each said electronic device.
 15. The method ofclaim 14, wherein the user interface provided to each said electronicdevice are different than the user interface provided to the at leastone jukebox.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the user interfaceprovided to each said electronic device and the user interface providedto the at least one jukebox are operable to provide differentfunctionalities from one another.
 17. The method of claim 14, whereinthe user interfaces are configured to change to display at least one ofa different graphic, advertisement, or available list of instances ofmedia based on the occurrence of a predetermined event.
 18. The methodof claim 17, wherein the predetermined event comprises the occurrence ofat least one of an operator specified date, time, or day of the week.19. The method of claim 1, further comprising restricting user optionssuch that certain instances of media cannot be output to at least oneoutput channel.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein user options arerestricted such that the user is only able to search for media from on alist of popular media compiled based on media selection habits ofjukeboxes within a pre-defined geographic area.